Microsoft predicts Xbox One launch to be huge as company profits soar 17%
Microsoft has predicted the Xbox One launch will be the biggest in Xbox history, announcing its high hopes during its quarterly earnings call.
With the Xbox One release date just a month away, Microsoft is confident about the launch for its next-gen console.
The call not only announced Microsoft’s grand expectation for the Xbox One, but also revealed the company’s successes for the most recent financial quarter.
Microsoft reported earnings that beat all predictions for Q3 2013, posting a $5.2 billion (£3.2 billion) profit figure, up 17 per cent from the same period the year before.
“Our devices and services transformation is progressing and we are launching a wide range of compelling products and experiences this fall for both business and consumers,” said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO.
The company’s revenue also rose 16 per cent to $18.5 billion (£11.4 billion), helped by sales of its Microsoft Office software.
“Our new commercial services will help us continue to outgrow the enterprise market, and we are seeing lots of consumer excitement for Xbox One, Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, and the full spectrum of Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone devices.”
What’s more interesting is that the Surface revenue jumped to $400 million (£246.8 million) for sales, mostly attributed to the heavily discounted Surface RT model.
“As we look forward to the second quarter, our enterprise business will remain strong, and we are also set up for [a] fantastic holiday season with Surface, Xbox One and a host of devices from our partners,” added Hood.
In light of the quarter’s strong financial postings, Microsoft shares rose 6 per cent in after-hours trading.
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